25. Grace

-The Sound of Silence—Disturbed-

Ruby futzed over every inch of my hair, making sure it was knot free as she braided it back. I know her anxiety over a gathering of this magnitude is eating away at her. “Everyone will be looking at how beautiful you are.” She ran her fingers through my hair where the Arctic Fox ritual was fading, the magenta taking on a purplish hue revealing my blonde roots.

“They’ll be staring at my scars.” I glance over at my shoulder where Ethan’s bite stands out.

“You were almost murdered by a madman. You lived. That alone is impressive.” She placed her hand gently on my cheek and smiles at me. “You are our Lunar Wolf. Unlike the males in charge, you lead with your heart not constantly having a dick measuring contest. You see the big picture, not the immediate threat.” She gently kisses my cheek and hands me my robe for when I shift back.

We say our goodbyes and I walk out the front door, seeing my guys waiting for me as well as twenty betas already shifted. Barrett came over and took the robe from me and I kiss his cheek. “Stay with Griffin and Conrad. Above all else, keep the pups in line.” Our lips meet and kissing my omega was like a sinful fantasy all by its self. He always wears a flavored lip gloss and I never know what he would taste like. Today, its sweet summer strawberries. A soft moan escapes his lips as his hand cups my throat.

“We need to get going.” Ethan calls from the other side of the yard.

Barrett moves me back over to the tent they had set up for me and I shift in private. It was getting harder to shift and I know my time is almost over. My pregnancy is almost to the point I would be left defenseless, unable to shift until after I deliver. A soft bark escapes my muzzle and Barrett unzips the door, letting me out.

People in the crowd murmur to each other in hushed tones, sharing their amazement and disbelief at seeing me. Their whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd as individuals react to what they’re witnessing.

Some describe my fur and the way it looks to them, others were talking about how unique it was for me not to have a single marking. Several women cry, seeing me talking about the stories of the white wolves. Some of the greatest luna’s in history were pure white. I get lost for a moment listening to the stories being regaled around us.

“Darlin, we need to get going.” Ethan says as he whips his shirt over his head before his massive black wolf rips free from his body. He comes to me without hesitation and rubs his body against the length of mine. Something settles in me and I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Looking around, Nic is ready to shift, and looks at me and lowers his head.

“Go to him.”Ethan says through the bond, encouraging me to show affection to Nicolai.

Feeling a little wicked, I prance over to him and rear up, putting my paws on his chest. “Be careful Grace, you are carrying precious cargo.” I get down, and he rubs my stomach. He kneels next to me and cups his hand as he leans in close to my wolfs ear. “This might be the last time you shift till you deliver.” He leans back and looks deep into my eyes. Nodding my wolfs head, Nicolai removes his dress shirt and pants before allowing his wolf to take over. The gray face of his black wolf nuzzles me and ran his body down the length of mine.

“Time to go!” Benjamin calls out and starts walking towards the border of the territory.

Ethan and Nicolai flank me as we fall instep behind the elder. Griffin, Conrad, and Barrett are behind us, taking turns carrying the puppies. The air is filled with the soothing hum of nature’s symphony. Tall, ancient trees stand like sentinels, their branches forming a verdant canopy overhead. Rays of dappled sunlight filter through the lush foliage, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground below. My eyes dart around, taking in every inch of the surrounding forest, knowing this may be my last shift for the unforeseeable future.

The path changes from stone to a soft carpet of vibrant green moss, velvety to the touch. It cushions every step with a gentle bounce, absorbing each foot step. The moss is a rich tapestry of emerald and jade, adorned with tiny, delicate wildflowers in shades of white, lavender, and yellow. Dewdrops glisten like diamonds on the moss’s surface, capturing the essence of the morning mist.

As we traverse the mossy terrain, the path changes and we encounter patches of cool, damp mud. The mud is a contrasting texture to the soft moss, offering a pleasant resistance underfoot. It squelches and oozes between the pads of my paws, leaving faint tracks that will soon be concealed by nature’s gradual reclamation.

The forest is alive with sounds, too. The gentle rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the distant gurgling of a hidden stream all provide a harmonious backdrop to the scene. Occasionally, a playful breeze ruffles the leaves above, causing them to shimmer and creating a sense of movement in the otherwise serene tableau.

Every silent step makes it feel like a greater weight is being put on my shoulders. The fate of two packs rest in my hands, well paws at the moment.

“We’re almost at the border.” Benjamin calls out.

To the east I look and see a pack of rust-colored wolves breaching the hill. The wolves from what was known as Gratus Pack are coming to join us. I bark and stop the procession and nuzzle Nicolai to head towards the new wolves. Keeping my head high, I step ahead of my mates for a moment and look at the others before me. A gentle hand lands on my shoulder and I tilt my head slightly, looking back at Barrett.

“James ruled using fear as a weapon. My mate, my Luna, leads with her heart.” Barrett says, addressing his old pack. “You do not have to fear being killed because of who you love anymore.” His voice waivers and I lean against him, lending him my strength.

One wolf steps forward and looks back at the others. “That’s the beta, Anders.” Barrett offers.

I nod at the new wolf, and he lowers his head, going into a bow. “That’s the wolf version of pledging allegiance.” Nicolai says through the bond.

“What do I do?”

“Lower your head slightly and the pack link should snap into place.”Ethan says, then flanks me and rests his head over my back, guarding my stomach.

Slowly I lower my head and then I hear his voice. “Luna, is it true? Is James dead?”

“No, not dead. I made his wolf sleep until he can atone for what he did to your pack. As for being an Alpha. No wolf, no Alpha. That is pack law, and it is absolute.”I glance back at Griffin and he nods as he fills Benjamin in on what I am saying. Benjamin nods and offers me a slight smile of approval. I look back at the beta and he turns his head to look at his pack mates. One by one, the bow and the bond is forged. I am their Luna now.

“She’s amazing.” Benjamin says as he turns to lead us towards the Volkov pack lands.

The number of wolves following us grows as all of what was in the Gratus pack is behind me. “What are we called now?” Anders asks silently as he remains ten steps and off to the right of Ethan.

“The Wolf Creek Pack. Three packs joined together for the betterment and safety of all.”As I say the words, I feel the rightness in it.

“So, we’re finally safe?”His voice is hesitant, yet hopeful at the same time.

“Yes, my mate Conrad will be regent and will oversee the restructuring of the pack and with the help of Nicolai, we will help rebuild the pack’s infrastructure.”I can feel the approval of my decision through the bond with my mates. The pack bond with the new wolves. I feel relief and hope.

Nicolai bumps shoulders with me, and I look at his wolf. “Why do you always defer power?” His question isn’t the first time I’ve been asked that same question.

“I’m not power hungry. To hold the reins of three packs is too much for one person. I have four alphas for mates and one omega. My Alphas have more experience in running packs than I do. It makes more sense to offer my suggestions than to juggle everything alone.”Lowering my eyes, I hope my answer was the right one. It’s not that I don’t have confidence in what I’m doing. I lack the experience that the guys have and I don’t want to accidentally harm my people.

Ethan nuzzles my side and bumps my other shoulder. “This is exactly why I fell hard for you.” His wolf licks the side of my face as we walk.

Benjamin stops and looks back at Nicolai. “I see your land, Nic. Better call your people.”

“Howl with me…”Nic tilts his head, looking expectantly at me. I nod once and we step forward together.

The Nicolai’s voice is deep and resonant, carrying the weight of generations of leaders before him. While my voice hits soprano tones that weave a haunting harmony that intertwined with his, creating a spellbinding duet. Our song seems to summon the very soul of the wilderness. I feel like our song is invoking the spirits of the forest and awakening the ancient echoes of those who had gone before.

As our howls reverberate through the silent woods, the area came alive. Crows called in response, and distant coyotes added their voices to the symphony. The wind rustles through the leaves, as if nature itself was listening, paying homage to the magnificent display of vocal prowess.

Our voices grow stronger and more passionate, resonating through the forest. Our howls tell a story of unity, of strength, and of the deep bond between us. It is a song that speaks of wild freedom, of endless nights under the stars, and of a love for the untamed world.

As we near the climax of our duet, our eyes meet once more. In that fleeting moment, a deep understanding passes between us. Our howls reach a crescendo, filling the forest with a profound sense of connection.

And then, as the last notes of our haunting melody fade away, we stand in silence, our heads held high, listening for the pack to respond. Slowly, we lower our heads and hear the responding howls of Nic’s pack. Dozens of voices fill the air, howling their own melody in response.

“I’ve never heard that strong of a response from a pack. This is definitely one for the record books,” Benjamin says as he turns and walks forward towards Nic’s pack.

As we get closer, we can see over half of the pack is shifted, waiting. Some with their tails held high in defiance. Others with their tails straight out behind them in indecision. Very few have their tails curled under them in submission.

Nic shifts first and holds his hands out. “I have brought my mate and her other mates here. With the help of our Elder Benjamin, we are joining the Murphy Pack with the Volkov pack as well as what remains of the Gratus Pack.” Nic announces and several growls echo in the street.

Benjamin steps forward. “We are in the presence of a true Lunar Wolf. Her power and presence have been tested and felt by the elders. We certify Grace Murphy is this generation’s Lunar Wolf.” He turns and motions for me to step forward.

Glancing at Ethan, he nods and follows several steps behind me. I feel naked being out in the open like this so that everyone can see my snow white fur. It’s thicker than what any of them possess.

“Lunar Wolves are created, not born!” someone yells from the back of the pack.

Barrett steps forward and holds onto my robe, standing next to me. I know what’s expected of me. I shift back to my human form. Dozens of scars litter my pregnant body. Areas where deep, healed gashes can be seen. Spots where the jagged edges of where my ex rended the flesh from my body trying to turn me. Ethan’s wolfs bite emblazoned on my shoulder, a testament of the strength of our bond. Nic’s pack goes silent as Ethan moves to stand before me, offering me his strength and comfort.

“My ex almost killed me when he abducted me. He tried turning me, forcing a mate bond on me. Unfortunately for him, I had found my fated mates in the Murphy Alphas and Barrett. Later, at my public wedding to Ethan, I met Nicolai and found out he was also a fated mate.” I meet his pack’s gaze as Barrett slips my robe over my shoulders and helps me fasten it in place.

“Who turned you?” One of the women in the front asked. Her eyes are tear filled, having seen my scars.

“Ethan, or should I say his wolf did.” Barrett helps me kneel and I lower the shoulder of my robe. Ethan’s massive black wolf approaches and opens his mouth, resting his teeth over my shoulder, engulfing it completely.

Whispers erupt through the crowd as the gravity of my turning hit them all. A Lunar Wolf is created from a violent, near death experience that turns them. Since my fated mate was the one that turned me, my bond and temperament are different. I’m not a war machine like the other Lunar Wolves in the past. I may have Ethan’s wonderful temperament, but I am, mostly, calm and rational.